Services for people with learning disabilities

What does the term 'learning disability' mean?

This means that a person is much less able or slower than others to learn new tasks and manage on their own without support from others. Some people with a learning disability may have other disabilities too, such as epilepsy or a physical disability.

Can I get a service?

You can get a service if:

you have a clear and permanent learning disability and need support to manage your life

you have specialist health needs that your GP cannot help you with

you live in Croydon or have always been supported by Croydon. (If another local authority already provides you with support, they may continue to do so.)

you are over the age of 18

you are the carer of a person with a learning disability who lives in Croydon.

What services are available for adults with learning disabilities?

The following services are available for adults with learning disabilities:

Day services

Direct payments

Our Circles of Support project helps to increase the number of people with learning disabilities who receive direct payments.

In an emergency

You can contact the joint community learning disability emergency response team Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm in an emergency, or to find out about services (details below).

Support with employment

We offer support to help people keep their jobs or get jobs and move into employment. Employment Support Services within Croydon Day Opportunities Ltd (part of Croydon Care Solutions Ltd) provides personal support for people with learning disabilities.

Home care

We can arrange for home care help including personal and intimate care.

Housing and support options

We offer specialist help to arrange the most appropriate housing options, including residential care and nursing care.

Respite or short breaks

We run a residential respite centre on Heather Way. Access to respite care is also available to some clients in NHS residential homes.

Specialist psychiatric services

There are two consultant psychiatrists for adults with learning disabilities that work as part of the joint community learning disability team. They can help people with learning disabilities who also have mental illness or challenging behaviours.

Transport

We aim to provide accessible transport for everyone who needs it.

How to contact us

For more information and advice, please contact social services for adults or the joint community learning disability emergency response team.

Out of office hours please contact the emergency duty social worker at the contact details below. Ask to speak to a social worker or leave your name and phone number and a social worker will call you back.